Total Population increases by 0.93 percent annually

Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH), the municipality of Santo Tomas, La Union posted a total population of 40,846 persons as of 01 May 2020. This is an increase of 1,754 persons over the total population of 39,092 persons in 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN). (Figure 1)

Population increases by nine persons per year for every 1000 persons

The increase in the population count of the province from 2015 to 2020 is translated to an average annual population growth rate (PGR) of 0.93 percent. This means that there were about nine persons added per year for every 1000 persons in the population. (Figure 2)

The annual PGR was higher at 1.58 percent during the period 2010 to 2015 and at 1.44 percent during the period 2000 to 2010.

If the average annual PGR recorded at 0.93 percent during the period 2015 to 2020 continues, the population of La Union would double in 75.46 years.

Sixty years ago, the population of Santo Tomas, La Union was only 14,929 persons. This population size is more than one-third of the population of the municipality in 2020 CPH.

Barangay Patac remains as the most populous in 2020

Among the 24 barangays of the Municipality of Santo Tomas, Patac was the most populous with a population size making up 8.33 percent of the total municipal population. Tubod was second with 7.85 percent share, followed by Damortis with 6.62 percent share, Namboongan with 6.03 percent share, Bail with 6.03 percent share and Casantaan with 5.91 percent share. The rest of the barangays contributed less than 5.00 percent each.

The least populated barangay was the Barangay of Malabago with 1.14 percent share to the total population of the municipality. It was also the least populated barangay in 2015.

Sex ratio remains at 104 males per 100 females

Of the 40,842 household population in 2020, males accounted for 51.06 percent while females comprised 48.94 percent. These figures resulted to a sex ratio of 104 males for every 100 females. (Figure 4)

Males made up a higher percentage of those aged 0 to 64 years old than females. However, there are more females than males in the age group 65 years and over.

Median age increases to 26.50 years

In 2020, the median age of the household population of the province was 26.50 years, which means that half of the population was younger than 26.50 years. This is higher than the median age of 25.24 years recorded in 2015.

Children aged 10 to 14 years (10.11%) comprised the largest age group, followed by those in the age groups 5 to 9 years (9.99%) and 0 to 4 years (9.46%). Males outnumbered females in the age groups 0 to 64 years. On the other hand, there were more females than males in the older age groups (65 years and over).

About two - thirds of the household population are of voting age

The voting-age population (18 years and over) accounted for 65.04 percent of the household population of the province in 2020, up from 63.15 percent in 2015. There were more males (50.45%) than females (49.55%) among the voting-age population.

Dependency ratio decreases to 56 dependents per 100 persons in the working age group

In 2020, the young dependents (0 to 14 years) comprised 29.57 percent of the household population while the old dependents (65 years and over) posted a share of 6.49 percent. The working – age population (15 to 64 years) accounted for the remaining 63.94 percent.

The overall dependency ratio was 56, which indicates that for every 100 working age population, there were about 56 dependents (46 young dependents and 10 old dependents). This ratio is lower than the dependency ratio in 2015 recorded at 58 dependents per 100 working age population.

Males dominate females among the never-married persons

Of the household population 10 years old and over, 39.49 percent were married while 39.98 percent were never-married. The rest of the population were categorized as follows: widowed (5.11%), common-law/live-in marital arrangement (14.16%), and divorced/separated (2.26%).

Among the never-married persons, 55.72 percent were males while 44.28 percent were females.

More females than males attain higher levels of education

Of the household population five years old and over, 27.04 percent had attended or completed elementary education while 42.13 percent had reached or finished high school. Moreover, 9.91 percent were college undergraduates and 13.88 percent were academic degree holders. 

Among those with an academic degree, the females (55.72%) outnumbered the males (44.28%). Similarly, more females (71.05%) than males (28.95%) had pursued post baccalaureate courses.

Literacy rate is recorded at 98.97 percent

Santo Tomas, La Union posted a literacy rate of 98.97 percent among the 36,977 household population aged 5 years and over. The literacy rate was higher among males (50.78%) than among females (49.22%).

Average household size is 3.9 persons

The household population of Santo Tomas, La Union in 2020 was 40,842 persons, higher by 1,776 persons from the household population of 39,066 persons in 2015. 

The number of households in 2020 was recorded at 10,392 higher by 1,396 households compared with the 8,996 households posted in 2015. The average household size in 2020 was 3.9 persons, lower than the average household size of 4.3 persons in 2015.

Proportion of persons with registered births in Santo Tomas, La Union is at 99.57 percent

The 2020 CPH revealed that a total of 40,666 persons had their births registered at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). This is equivalent to 99.57 percent of the 40,842 household population in 2020.

More males than females have registered births

Among the 40,666 household population whose births were registered at the LCRO, 51.06 percent (20,764 persons) were males, while 48.94 percent (19,902 persons) were females. This translates to a sex ratio of 104 males whose births were registered at the LCRO for every 100 females whose births were also registered. (Figure 7)

TECHNICAL NOTES

EXPLANATORY NOTES

The total population presented in this release is based on the 2020 CPH. The population count is declared official for all purposes by the President of the Philippines, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1179 dated 06 July 2021. The total population represents the total number of persons living as of 12:01 AM on 01 May 2020 in the country. It also includes Filipinos in Philippine embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. 

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

/KJGH/JNL